A major police operation is taking place in the German city of Mannheim amid reports of a suspected car ramming.

A car reportedly drove into a parade ground and hit a group of people, witnesses told local newspaper Mannheimer Morgen.

There are reports of multiple casualties.

Local police said a large-scale police operation was under way in the city centre, without giving further details.

“Due to the police deployment, citizens are asked to avoid Mannheim city centre and to take a wide detour,” Mannheim police said in a statement.